The American Association of Colleges of Nursing have chosen Tashanda Edelen and Rachel Derr, two students in Marquette Nursing’s Ph.D. program, as Jonas Scholars in the program’s 2026-2028 cohort. The Jonas Scholars are a group of 80 of the nation’s most promising doctoral nursing students and are chosen for their academic achievement, research prowess, and their enthusiasm for teaching.
“Being a Jonas Scholar represents an evolution of my journey caring for patients to leading systems and creating nursing knowledge that can change how care is delivered,” Edelen says. “It gives me the opportunity to turn nearly two decades of nursing experience into scholarship that challenges gaps in care, elevates the role of nurses, and creates lasting impact for children, families and communities.”
Edelen’s doctoral research work investigates school-based telehealth, health equity and models of care that improve access for underserved populations. She also hopes to draw on her previous experience as manager of health services at Milwaukee Public Schools to increase awareness of school nursing as a profession. Prior to her time at MPS, Edelen was a CNA classroom and clinical instructor for the Wauwatosa School District for six years.
Rachel Derr is currently an associate dean for baccalaureate programs and clinical assistant professor at Rutgers University – Camden. Before that, Derr was the school’s nursing prelicensure program director. She expects to graduate from Marquette’s Ph.D. program in December of 2028.
“Being selected as a Jonas Scholar is truly life-changing and I am deeply humbled and honored to have this opportunity as a Ph.D. student at Marquette University,” Derr says. “The leadership development, mentorship and connections I will gain will be invaluable as I continue to grow as a nurse educator, scholar and leader. I hope to make a meaningful impact on the future of nursing.”
The Jonas Scholars program is meant to increase the number of Ph.D. and DNP-prepared nurses. Jonas Scholars receive financial support, mentorship and the opportunity to participate in a curriculum with experiences designed to prepare them for life as a faculty member.
Marquette’s last Jonas Scholar was Kenyah Spaulding, who was part of the program’s 2024-2026 cohort.
